Articles tagged with Infants
A prognostic study of 1,000 very preterm infants found predictive modeling can identify those at risk for cognitive impairment. This allows for targeted interventions to be implemented early, potentially improving outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that digoxin treatment significantly reduced mortality and the need for a transplant among infants undergoing a hybrid procedure for single-ventricle physiology. The researchers analyzed data from 259 infants who received digoxin during their interstage per...
A systematic review of 120 studies with 14,000 participants revealed underrepresentation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups in neonatal clinical trials. Geographic representation was also unevenly distributed, with some US regions underrepresented.
A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development, including air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space. The first 2000 days of life are a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes.
A national study using telehealth assessments aims to identify infants with early behavioral differences that may indicate autism or developmental delays. The study will provide valuable insights into predicting these developmental skills and offer improved feedback and support for families.
Participating in baby massage has been linked to lower rates of postnatal depression and improved parent-child interactions. A systematic review found that mother-led infant massage can have a positive impact on maternal mental health and relationships.
A global study of 1,001 children across 12 countries found that adult talk is the key predictor of language development in infants and toddlers. No effects were found related to socioeconomics or multilingualism.
A new study finds that most US parents intend to vaccinate their infants and young children against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 40% planning to vaccinate against COVID-19. The study also highlights the growing concern of vaccine hesitancy and its potential impact on public health.
A new study suggests that breastfeeding, even partially alongside formula feeding, positively influences brain development in infants. The research found significant differences in metabolite levels between breastfed and formula-fed infants, with those fed breast milk having better cognitive test scores at age 2.
Using metformin plus insulin to treat preexisting type 2 or gestational diabetes diagnosed early in pregnancy did not show a reduction in composite neonatal adverse outcomes. The study suggests that the effect of reducing large-for-gestational-age infant risk after adding metformin to insulin warrants further investigation.
A novel study has implicated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in both bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity, making it a promising therapeutic candidate. G-CSF deficiency was shown to protect against these diseases, suggesting wide-ranging protection.
A new study found no increased risk of major congenital malformations in infants exposed to second-line non-insulin antidiabetic medications during pregnancy compared to those treated with insulin. The study examined over 3.5 million pregnancies and provided reassurance on the safety of these medications for fetuses.
Researchers used NIRS to track oxygenated hemoglobin levels in infant brains responding to gentle touch. They found similar response times across age groups, but varying signal amplitudes that may be linked to changes in blood flow and erythropoietin production.
The European Union has approved vaccines for pregnant women and monoclonal antibodies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children. New sequencing tools have also been developed to track the genetic diversity of RSV and inform vaccine effectiveness and treatment strategies.
A new study found that children born moderately early are at an increased risk of developmental disorders, including language delay, cognitive impairment, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. The study analyzed data from over 8 million children and identified a small but significant increase in risk for most developmental disorders.
A Washington State University study found that WIC participants were less likely to use potentially unsafe infant feeding practices during the 2022 US infant formula shortage. They were also more likely to change formula brands or sources and adopt healthier feeding habits.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.
A study of over 50 babies with HIV found that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth can safely suppress HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. The treatment regimen was shown to halt the formation of hard-to-treat viral reservoirs, potentially leading to ART-free remission.
A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.
A recent study reveals that infants aged six months and older can perceive misbinding, a type of visual illusion where features are mistakenly integrated. In contrast, infants under six months do not exhibit this phenomenon, indicating they may perceive the external world more accurately than adults.
Researchers found that phonetic encoding in babies emerged gradually over the first year of life, beginning with labial sounds and nasal sounds. Parents should speak to their babies using sing-song speech as soon as possible to help them learn language.
A UK national long-term study of babies found that primary caregivers engage in physical and turn-taking play with their little ones several times a day, activities linked to early language development. Despite added pressure on today's families, parents are creating a healthy home learning environment for their children.
Researchers found that early skin-to-skin contact with parents significantly improves premature babies' social skills at four months old. The study also showed that fathers play a more important role than previously thought in developing their infants' social skills.
A study at Uppsala University found that infant face preference is influenced by genes and linked to later language development. The researchers analyzed over 500 infant twins and found that individual infants' preferences for faces could be largely explained by their genetics.
A new Stanford University study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy lowered the risk of preterm birth. The research analyzed natality data from California and found a significant reduction in preterm births among vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated ones.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found a connection between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of low birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study analyzed over 360,000 mothers and infants and found a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and infant health risks.
Researchers created a full-thickness, biodegradable patch from tissue-engineered materials that can withstand the intense cardiac environment. The patch has the potential to correct congenital heart defects in infants without requiring invasive surgeries.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht developed an AI model to predict long-term outcomes in extremely premature babies, identifying those at risk of intellectual disability. The model analyzed brain activity data with 80% accuracy, offering valuable information for healthcare providers and parents about expected developmental journeys.
A Canadian study found that infants exposed to biologic agents during pregnancy have normal immune development and can safely receive the rotavirus vaccine. The study, involving 191 infants across six sites in Canada, aimed to change vaccination guidelines to protect more babies from severe illness.
Researchers found that babies as young as four months old display enhanced somatosensory brain activity when a touch is preceded by an object moving towards them. This suggests that even in the first few months of life, babies can sense their surroundings and understand how their bodies interact with space.
Researchers developed an AI model to optimize the macronutrient content of pooled human donor milk recipes, decreasing production time by 60%. The model improved protein and fat levels in milk bank products without compromising bacterial safety, benefiting preterm and sick babies.
Research of 155,000 births finds birth at 39 weeks' gestation is linked to better educational outcomes compared to earlier or later births. No significant differences in numeracy and literacy skills were found between children born at 39 versus 40-42 weeks
Pandemic-exposed preschool children demonstrated improved problem-solving skills, fine motor abilities, and vocabulary at 2-5 years old compared to non-exposed peers. They also showed enhanced cognitive performance in visual memory and overall cognitive abilities.
Researchers developed soft, miniaturized wearables that continuously track subtle body sounds wirelessly across the body. The devices offer new functionalities and provide highly accurate, real-time evaluation of patient health.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. However, it does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or death within one year.
Research suggests delaying cord clamping by two minutes can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature babies. This allows blood to flow from the placenta, easing breathing transitions and potentially saving lives.
Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by at least two minutes can reduce the risk of death in premature babies. The studies included over 10,000 babies from 60 studies and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates for deferred clamping compared to immediate clamping.
A team led by WPI researcher Ulkuhan Guler has received NIH funding to develop a wearable sensor for premature infants that can mitigate skin-color bias in oxygen level measurements. The four-year project aims to create a convenient and affordable sensor that will enable infants at risk of lung disease to leave hospitals sooner.
Two COVID-19 studies on Singapore mothers and children found vaccination during pregnancy reduces newborn infection risk by up to 44.4%. Vaccination also showed potential protection against Long COVID in children under 18, with males more likely to experience symptoms.
The study found an increase in breastfeeding initiation and duration among US children from 1999 to 2018. Higher rates of breastfeeding were observed among male infants, older mothers, Mexican American participants, and households with higher incomes.
An mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination before vs. during pregnancy and omicron infection among infants study found that maternal vaccination during the antenatal period was associated with a lower risk of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants up to six months of age.
A recent study suggests that umbilical cord milking is a safe procedure for preterm infants born after 28 weeks, reducing delay and risk of bleeding. The technique involves gently squeezing the cord to push blood into the newborn's abdomen, allowing for faster response times for infants in need of respiratory support.
Two cases report flaxseed as an allergen causing severe reactions, including facial rashes and contact dermatitis. Flaxseed is increasingly used in baked goods, cereals, and oil paints, highlighting the need for awareness about its potential to trigger allergic reactions.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that autism-induced maternal immune response alters brain development and prevents infantile amnesia. Memories formed during infancy can be permanently reinstated through light-activated neural pathways in adults.
Researchers have developed a novel noninvasive method to assess nutrient absorption and diagnose feeding intolerance severity in preterm infants. The precision exfoliomic approach captures gene expression information from intestinal cells released into the fecal stream, allowing for precise diagnosis without invasive testing.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
A University of Missouri study found that opioid-dependent mothers experience stigma, leading to withdrawal from healthcare and negative outcomes for their infants. The research highlights the need for compassionate support and education to promote better health outcomes.
A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.
The Perinatal LAW Project, a medical-legal partnership, helps pregnant and postpartum patients tackle unmet legal needs, such as housing and financial insecurity. By integrating lawyers into care teams, healthcare providers can better support patients' health-harming legal issues, leading to improved birth outcomes.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.
Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.
A new study found that Zika virus infection during pregnancy slows fetal growth and affects how infants interact with their mothers in the first month of life. The study also suggests that reducing viral load may be beneficial for infant development.
Researchers have identified a group of babies born to mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy with similar facial and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The study suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome, which may be caused by fentanyl exposure or another contaminant.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that infants born to mothers who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy had lower risks of severe health outcomes, neonatal death, and NICU admission. The study also showed no increase in newborn and six-month readmissions to the NICU.
A study of 142,000 live births found that maternal mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was associated with reduced risks of severe neonatal morbidity, neonatal death, and intensive care unit admission. No increase in hospital admissions or readmissions up to age six months was observed.
A study of popular blogs found that half of the most influential bloggers on this topic had no medical credentials. The research highlights the need for pediatricians and nutritionists to provide accurate nutritional recommendations regarding dairy milk alternatives.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reviews toddler 'formulas', finding they lack standard composition and nutrition requirements. The organization recommends a varied diet with fortified foods for toddlers, with no nutritional advantage over human milk or cow's milk.
Researchers identified a gut-lung axis driven by intestinal antimicrobial peptide expression and mediated by the intestinal microbiota that influences hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Supplemental lysozyme reduced lung injury in neonatal mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Research at Aston University identified four eating behavior patterns in children: 'avid', 'happy', 'typical', and 'fussy'. Children with 'avid' eating behaviors are more likely to be overweight or obese, while caregivers' feeding practices vary significantly across the four categories. The study aims to provide tailored advice for par...
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted its 2023 National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., presenting original research on topics such as the national opioid crisis, obesity prevention, and mental health challenges. The AAP also released two new policy statements: one proposing bold reforms in Medicaid and CHIP, and anoth...